Category Archives: CyberBoxTV

CyberBoxTV, Gaming, Review

Review: Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga — A Gorgeous cinematic experience with a bare bones gameplay.

Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga is a visually stunning experience, boasting some of the most impressive graphics ever seen in a video game. The characters are rendered with remarkable realism, while the environments with their breathtaking landscapes are nothing short of spectacular. The atmosphere is further elevated by an immersive soundtrack, meticulously crafted sound effects, and the haunting inner voices that masterfully convey the protagonist’s psychosis.

The narrative picks up directly from the first installment, taking Senua on a new journey where she faces both human foes and towering, monstrous creatures. However, beyond its technical and artistic achievements, the game has notable shortcomings. Its playtime is a mere 5 to 7 hours, making it even shorter than the original. The progression is extremely linear, to the point where it often feels like walking through corridors. Enemies become repetitive, encounters are scarce, and much of the experience revolves around listening to dialogues, internal voices, and solving the occasional puzzle.

The Enhanced version, released alongside the PS5 edition and as a free update for Xbox Series, brings back the Dark Rot mode, which adds permadeath that if you fail multiple times you’ll have to restart the journey from the very beginning. On the plus side, this version offers improved performance at 60 FPS. While not essential for the game’s slow-paced rhythm, it does provide smoother visuals.

Combat boils down to pressing two buttons with no real variation, which limits the gameplay depth. In summary, Hellblade 2 is technically brilliant and atmospherically captivating, yet mechanically simple.

Score: 3/5

CyberBoxTV, Gaming, Review

Review: Mafia: The Old Country – A Visually Stunning Return with Limited Depth

Mafia: The Old Country marks the long-awaited return of the franchise after nearly a decade, presenting a story-driven experience. This new installment shines primarily for its visual presentation, masterfully recreating early 1900s Sicily with an impressive level of authenticity. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game’s visuals and animations are top-notch character faces, lighting, and environmental details are truly breathtaking.

The map is quite large and open for exploration, inviting players to discover every corner of this richly detailed world. The story follows Enzo Favara, an ordinary young man who becomes entangled in the culture of the first Italian mafia. Throughout the game, players serve Don Torissi, who assigns Enzo the dirtiest tasks of the family business. The narrative structure is solid, featuring several memorable action sequences.

Gameplay-wise, the combat delivers what you’d expect from a third-person shooter with a cover system, enhanced by well-designed stealth sections that keep the tension high. One standout innovation is the cinematic knife fights are brutal, intense, and often delivering the most dramatic outcomes in key missions.

However, Mafia: The Old Country stumbles in several areas. Despite having an open world, it’s only accessible through a separate mode that lacks meaningful content, aside from admiring the scenery or hunting for collectibles. There are no side missions, meaningful NPC interactions, or engaging activities, making the open world feel completely unnecessary.

Narratively, the game starts strong but falls into clichés halfway through, when a forbidden romance introduces predictable drama for the protagonist. The enemy AI is also weak, often lining up to be shot or reloading while walking toward you, making them easy targets. Missions are strictly linear, offering no room for deviation, and the campaign lasts around eight hours.

In summary, Mafia: The Old Country is a decent game that visually impresses and delivers a competent narrative experience, but it suffers from stereotypical plot twists, poor AI, and an empty open world. The core mechanics are solid, yet the lack of post-campaign content makes its long-term value questionable.

Final Score: 3/5

CyberBoxTV, Gaming, Review

Review: Ninja Gaiden Ragebound – A Return to Its Roots with a Divided Soul

The Ninja Gaiden franchise began nearly 40 years ago on the original Nintendo console. Back then, the gameplay was side-scrolling, battling enemies as you moved left or right. Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is the latest installment in the series and marks a return to those roots, moving away from the modern 3D versions.

In Ragebound, you play as Kenji Mozu, a ninja from the Hayabusa Clan tasked with protecting the village while Ryu Hayabusa is away on a mission. You’ll also control Kumori, a shinobi from the rival Spider Clan. While both characters share the same control scheme, Kumori focuses on ranged attacks, while Kenji excels in close combat with his katana.

Throughout the campaign, you’ll unlock new weapons and abilities after each mission, but to do so, you’ll need to collect hidden artifacts scattered throughout the game. In some cases, you’ll have to replay missions multiple times to acquire a necessary skill for progressing the story.

The narrative follows both characters through a journey of betrayal, growth, and unexpected acceptance, as they share the same physical body while their souls clash internally. While not an entirely original concept, its execution makes the dynamic compelling.

Combat is fast-paced, with a constant mix of enemy types and scenarios. Some enemies are strategically placed so you can use them as tools to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. The difficulty is well-balanced: standard demons can be taken down in a single hit, while bosses require strategy and patience. There are also enemies that seem immortal at first until you discover the special ability that breaks through their defenses.

Not everything works in its favor. The level design feels repetitive, with only the visuals changing between stages. Graphically, the game isn’t particularly impressive, aside from a few standout animations. Combined with a short runtime of around 6 hours and little incentive to return aside from beating your personal record or trying a higher difficulty this hurts the game’s overall longevity.

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is a highly entertaining game with addictive combat that successfully brings the franchise’s roots into a modern format. However, its flaws many of which are common in the genre hold it back from becoming something truly memorable. Games like Strider show just how far a title like this could have gone.

Final Score: 3/5

CyberBoxTV, Gaming, Review

Review – RoboCop: Rogue City Unfinished Business — An expansion that wears down the novelty of the original

RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business is an expansion of the original game that, while presented as a sort of sequel, feels more like a downloadable content pack released at a disproportionate price. From the very beginning, it becomes clear that this entry never quite lives up to the expectations set by its predecessor.

The story places RoboCop in a new conflict where he must take down a group of mercenaries who have stolen advanced technology and taken over a public housing building, holding the residents hostage. The narrative is serviceable but not particularly memorable.

Gameplay-wise, it’s almost identical to the base game. RoboCop feels like an unstoppable force, able to absorb heavy damage while wielding his iconic Auto-9 pistol, which remains as satisfying as ever. Throughout the roughly eight-hour campaign, there’s rarely a need to switch to other weapons, except for the cryo-cannon, which offers a fun mechanic by freezing enemies instantly.

However, Unfinished Business falls into repetition. Unlike the original game, much of the experience takes place in generic, corridor-like environments, stripping away the variety and leading to a monotonous progression. To compensate, the game throws waves of enemies at the player, but they’re rarely a real challenge to eliminate.

The sense of recycling is hard to ignore. Many enemy types, animations, and NPC models are reused from the base game, suggesting a rushed development cycle. That said, two standout moments manage to break the monotony: a brief sequence where you control ED-209, and another where you play as Alex Murphy before becoming RoboCop. These moments are refreshing and easily the highlights of the expansion.

In the end, RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business is simply more of the same. While it still delivers on the fantasy of being RoboCop, the expansion lacks a distinct identity and brings little new to the table beyond two short sequences.

Final Score: 3/5

CyberBoxTV, Gaming, Review

Review: Wuchang: Fallen Feathers — A game that lacks originality, but makes up for it with innovation

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers begins as a traditional Souls-like, but after a few hours, it unveils a deeper and more intriguing layer that sets it apart within the genre. The story follows Wuchang, a pirate infected with a disease that transforms people into grotesque beasts. Set during China’s Ming Dynasty, the game introduces us to iconic characters that contribute to the world’s lore.

As expected from this kind of game, the narrative is not told directly. Instead, it’s hidden behind cryptic messages and ambiguous conversations, without a clear narrative focus like some recent entries in the genre. However, if you’re willing to dig into it, you’ll uncover a surprisingly rewarding story.

Combat sticks to the classic formula: attack, dodge, and counterattack. But what truly sets it apart are its unique risk-and-reward systems. As you fight, you build up a form of negative energy that increases your damage output. However, if you die, this energy takes over your resources and creates a duplicate of your character. To reclaim what you lost, you’ll need to fight this dark version of yourself, encouraging a more strategic and cautious playstyle.

The game offers a wide variety of resources, most of which are used to unlock skills in a multi-branched skill tree. This system allows for both general abilities and weapon-specific upgrades, and best of all, you can reallocate your points at any time. This flexibility encourages experimentation and tactical adaptation.

There are also resources that enhance weapon power or let you perform visually impressive super attacks. You have access to five weapon types, from swords to spears, giving you the freedom to choose between close-quarters or ranged combat. Magic is also available, though it’s more of a support tool than a primary offensive option.

Where Wuchang falters is in its level design, which feels lacking in originality. The developer’s influences from games like Bloodborne, Wo Long, and Nioh are quite evident, which slightly undermines its own identity. Still, the visuals are stunning, enemy designs are creative and terrifying, and the ability to customize your character’s outfit adds a welcome touch of personal expression.

In conclusion, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a Souls-like that, while not reinventing the genre, manages to stand out thanks to its unique mechanics and compelling setting. With its high difficulty, it clearly aims to appeal to both veteran players and newcomers looking for a serious challenge.

Final Score: 4/5

CyberBoxTV, Gaming, Review

Review: Shadow Labyrinth — A Dark Rebirth for a Yellow Legend

Shadow Labyrinth is a completely unexpected offering from Bandai Namco, reinventing Pac-Man like we’ve never seen before. This time, our beloved yellow icon finds himself in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world, far removed from the colorful mazes that made him famous. But it’s not just the setting that’s different, this version of Pac-Man is a drastic reimagining.

The story picks up after the episode Pac-Man: Circle from the series Secret Level, which acts as a prologue. In this new world, the player awakens as a silent protagonist guided by Puck, a yellow sphere determined to help you escape the planet. Together, you’ll face a wide range of enemies, from organic creatures to cybernetic foes.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the game is that it’s set in the same universe as classics like Galaga, StarBlade, and Galaxian. The visual style blends modern and archaic elements, creating a truly unique atmosphere. The soundtrack, composed of remixed tracks from various classic franchises, hits hard on the nostalgia.

Gameplay-wise, Shadow Labyrinth follows the Metroidvania formula, requiring you to explore different areas, defeat bosses to gain new abilities, and revisit previous zones to uncover secrets. All of this takes place on a 2D plane with platforming elements. The initial combat is simple sword attacks, a shield, and dodging, but it evolves as you progress. A standout mechanic is the ability to transform into Pac-Man to move through narrow spaces, reminiscent of Samus’s morph ball in Metroid. This form also plays a key role in challenges inspired by classic levels, where eating ghosts or activating traps becomes essential to defeating bosses.

Additionally, Puck can transform into a beast-like robot capable of obliterating enemies, giving you an edge in tougher encounters. Unlocking the ability to devour enemies allows you to gather resources used to upgrade your skills. While many of these mechanics may not feel groundbreaking to seasoned players, their execution combined with the art style, franchise references, and adrenaline-fueled combat makes for a fresh and exhilarating experience.

Unfortunately, the game’s biggest weakness lies in its story. Puck is a dubious guide who withholds valuable information and sometimes seems to lead you into traps on purpose. The real narrative unfolds only through interactions with other characters, which can make the plot feel confusing at times.

Despite these narrative shortcomings, Shadow Labyrinth is an incredibly satisfying experience. Its bold new direction is exactly what Pac-Man needed to reconnect with longtime fans. What could have been a failed experiment instead turns out to be a surprising and effective reinvention.

Final Score: 4/5

CyberBoxTV, Gaming, Review

Review: Donkey Kong Bananza — A New Nintendo Gem That Has It All!

Donkey Kong Bananza proves that Nintendo still has the ability to reinvent its characters and deliver incredibly addictive gameplay. This time around, Donkey Kong is more expressive than ever, and the inclusion of Pauline adds charisma and energy to the adventure.

The story follows both characters as they journey to the center of the Earth in search of a wish, though the villains have other plans in mind. The narrative stands out as one of Nintendo’s best, incorporating cutscenes and dialogue not only between the protagonists but also with other characters in the game world. The plot reaches a surprisingly emotional peak and ends with a twist that will genuinely catch players off guard.

Gameplay is where Bananza truly shines. One of the most impressive mechanics is the level of environmental destruction players can flatten tall, vertical stages into completely horizontal ones if they choose. The game features a wide variety of stages, including jungles, beaches, industrial areas, icy caves, and more.

Each boss has an RPG-style health bar, and their designs make battles both fun and engaging. RPG elements such as a skill tree are also present, something rare for a Nintendo title, and they significantly enhance the gameplay depth.

Collectibles are just the beginning in this adventure. With the same creative team behind Super Mario Odyssey, Bananza is packed with unlockables including outfits, abilities, and hidden surprises. Completing the game 100% could easily take over 80 hours.

Donkey Kong Bananza is without a doubt the spiritual successor to Donkey Kong 64 and Super Mario Odyssey that fans have been waiting for. Nintendo delivers a perfect blend of compelling storytelling and addicting gameplay, creating one of its most memorable titles in recent years.

Final Score: 5/5

CyberBoxTV, Gaming, Review

Review: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 — The Return of a Skating Legend

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is a remake of the classics released in the early 2000s. While the sense of novelty is somewhat diminished due to the successful 1+2 Remake just five years ago, the nostalgia remains strong. Reliving two of the franchise’s best titles with modern visuals and a smooth 60FPS performance is nothing short of phenomenal.

The core gameplay remains intact: you choose a skater, drop into a map, and perform tricks within a two-minute time limit to rack up points. In addition, there are challenges and collectibles to keep things engaging.

All original maps return, with the exception of two extra levels from the fourth game, which have been replaced by three brand-new maps that are superior in both design and visual appeal. If you played the previous remake, you’ll recognize the custom skater feature, which is back though with some drawbacks. The clothing options are fairly generic, replacing iconic brands with less recognizable ones, which takes away from the authenticity. The soundtrack, a key part of the franchise’s identity, also takes a hit: only 10 original tracks are included, while the rest are newer songs from the same or modern bands. While disappointing, it’s understandable due to music licensing issues that can affect the game’s future availability.

The most noticeable change comes with Pro Skater 4. The original story mode, where you interacted with skaters to receive missions, has been removed in favor of the classic level structure from earlier games. This may upset purists, but the missions themselves are still there—only the introductory dialogue is gone.

Some objectives have been altered like the zoo map no longer featuring animals or key hunts being replaced by more complex challenges but the spirit remains.

A standout feature is the updated character models, which now reflect the current age of the veteran skaters. New, popular skaters have also been added, expanding the roster for a modern audience. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is a solid remake that captures the essence of the originals while blending it with modern music and skaters, ushering in a new era of players. The changes to THPS4 may sound drastic to longtime fans, but for most, they don’t significantly detract from what remains a highly enjoyable, addictive, and entertaining experience.

Final Score: 4/5

CyberBoxTV, Gaming, Review

Review: Mecha Break – Multiplayer on steroids… with giant robots

Mecha Break delivers on the fantasy of battling with giant robots, just like in Gundam anime. The game features one of the most robust customization systems seen to date. You have complete control over your pilot’s appearance, allowing you to create anything from absurd monstrosities to the sexiest character in gaming history. The robots, known as Strikers, can also be customized—though color options are limited—but even so, you’ll be able to replicate iconic designs like Evangelion, Gundam, Cyber Samurai, and more.

The gameplay is chaotic and relentless, throwing your Strikers into explosive battles filled with bullets, lasers, missiles, energy swords, giant hammers, cannons, and non-stop action. The game is strictly competitive, as it’s free-to-play and features an aggressive monetization model ranging from cosmetics to what many would call pay-to-win mechanics.

There are three main game modes. The first is Operation Verge, a 6v6 mode with ten large maps and varying objectives such as moving payloads, capturing zones, or defending specific areas. The second mode, Ace Arena, pits teams of 3 against each other in smaller maps focused on skill-based combat. Lastly, Operation Storm, currently with only one massive map, is an extraction-style mode. Three teams of three players compete against AI to gather resources, then try to extract with their loot. While the number of modes might seem limited, each one delivers a phenomenal and addictive experience.

There are 15 Strikers, each with unique weapons and abilities that mirror classic Hero Shooter class types. Some transform into fighter jets, others are dedicated healers, and there are tanks, snipers, and all-arounders. There’s truly a robot for every playstyle, broadening the game’s appeal.

Unfortunately, the cosmetic monetization is over the top: $48 characters, $10 ear ring, $18 sunglasses. Everything has a high price tag, demanding either real money or a serious time investment. To make matters worse, players can also purchase Striker enhancements that boost their stats and repair kits that give them more chances in combat. Thankfully, these pay-to-win elements are restricted to the extraction mode, allowing for a fairer experience in the other modes.

Mecha Break is undoubtedly a phenomenal experience that will be hard to put down once you try it. However, without a solo mode or narrative content to hook non-multiplayer fans, it’s difficult to recommend universally. Still, what’s here could very well become the next big thing in online competitive gaming.

Final Score: 4/5

CyberBoxTV, Gaming, Review

Nintendo Switch 2: A Much-Needed Evolution That Feels Like a Pro Version

After eight years since the launch of the original Nintendo Switch, we finally have its long-awaited successor: the Nintendo Switch 2. The original console showed clear signs of aging in its final years, struggling to deliver decent performance in demanding titles. The most obvious case was the latest Pokémon game, where the performance was disappointing. Thankfully, the new console arrives to fix many of those issues and offer a more modern gaming experience.

One of the most notable improvements is the ability to play in 4K resolution when connected to a TV, and even reach 120 frames per second in select games. In handheld mode, the Switch 2 features an 8-inch screen with a new LCD technology that closely mimics the colors of an OLED display. Thanks to its upgraded power, the console can now run much more demanding titles, bringing it closer to the level of its competitors, though not in a one-to-one comparison. Games that previously suffered from technical or visual issues now run the way they were meant to. Pokémon Violet, for example, feels like a completely different game, and Zelda titles no longer suffer from frame drops. The environmental colors now appear vibrant and alive. In terms of build quality, the device feels more premium—less like a toy—and its larger size gives it a more visually appealing presence.

The Joy-Con controllers have also been redesigned. They now use a magnetic attachment system that provides a firmer grip and reduces wear on the locking mechanism. There’s even a new feature that allows them to function like a computer mouse, though it remains unclear how widely this feature will be used in the future. That said, not everything is perfect. The battery life remains a weak point, offering only 2 to 4 hours of regular gameplay. At launch, the system only came with one game designed to showcase its capabilities, and as of now, there’s no clear information on upcoming Nintendo exclusives. There’s also some confusion regarding how physical cartridges work, which might make the transition a bit unclear for some users.

In summary, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor many fans have been waiting for. Its improved performance, visual quality, and refined design make it a more capable and modern console. However, due to the lack of a strong game library and its focus on fixing past issues, it currently feels more like a Pro version of the original Switch than a true next-gen leap. It has potential, but at this stage, it’s still hard to fully recommend as a must-buy.

Final Score: 3/5